The two new electric bikes from this Italian manufacturer hit the market with the same charisma as their most sporty motorcycles.

We had been hearing about Ducati’s new bicycles for some time: a collaboration with Gruppo Zecchetto was announced, which would result in various models hitting the market. The range recently launched includes two “muscular” models (the Monoscocca, for road use, and the GraviaX, for gravel) as well as several electric bikes with a similarly focused design.

These are the DM-160 R and DM-170 RR, two all-mountain/enduro electric bikes aimed at users with deep pockets who want to break away from the conventional options. What sets these bikes apart from others is that they are crafted by the Borgo Panigale factory, as the bikes themselves, though exuding quality, do not offer particularly distinctive technological solutions. Let’s take a look.

Frame made of carbon fiber

If we take a closer look, both bicycles share the same frame—a unit crafted from carbon fiber with a fairly minimalist design, which is very popular these days, along with a quite classic '4-bar' rear suspension system.

The suspension travel and wheel diameter are different (hence their distinct names), offering varied usage approaches. The DM-160 R features 160 mm of suspension travel and 29'' wheels, aiming for a more road-oriented riding experience, with an allmountain focus as its primary purpose.

Meanwhile, the DM-170 RR, with 170 mm of suspension travel and ‘mullet’ wheels, is geared more toward pure enduro riding. However, both models allow for adjusting various aspects of the geometry (through three flip-chips) to customize their performance. There are three available sizes: S1, S2, and S3.

Engine: Avinox takes over

The previous Ducati mountain bikes were built on frames from the Italian manufacturer Thok, which used Shimano engines that have become somewhat outdated. In this new phase, Ducati didn’t complicate things and went for what’s currently most popular: both bikes are equipped with the powerful Avinox M2S engine.

The Avinox integrated 800 Wh battery enables a maximum power output of 1,300 W, with a motor torque of up to 150 Nm in ‘boost’ mode and a maximum assistance level of 800%. Absolutely stunning specs.

The customization options for the different motor assistance levels are endless: both the power output (in watts and the way it’s delivered) and the motor torque can be tuned using the Avinox app. Additionally, there are multiple anti-theft features including an alarm, as well as GPS tracking, data on our riding style (pedaling cadence, power output from our legs), and more.

Both models are already available for purchase

We can now get our hands on one of the new Ducatis, and worth mentioning, they won’t come at particularly affordable prices. It’s true they’re not exorbitant either, but considering that the latest models released with Avinox engines have kept their MSRP quite low, these Ducatis are a bit higher...it’s the price of exclusivity.

Ducati DM-160 R (7,990 euros)

Frame: carbon fiber / Engine: Avinox M2S / Battery: Avinox 800 Wh / Transmission: SRAM Eagle 90 / Fork: RockShox ZEB Select 160 mm / Shock absorber: RockShox Super Deluxe Select 160 mm / Brakes: SRAM Maven Base / Wheels: E-MTB i30 aluminum / Tires: Continental Kryptotal / Handlebars: FSA HB MTB Gradient Riser 800 mm / Stem: KS Rage-i / Weight: 23.4 kg

Ducati DM-170 RR (9,490 euros)

Frame: carbon fiber / Engine: Avinox M2S / Battery: Avinox 800 Wh / Transmission: SRAM GX AXS / Fork: Öhlins RXF M3 170 mm / Shock absorber: Öhlins TTX2 170 mm / Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze / Wheels: E-MTB i30 aluminum / Tires: Continental Kryptotal / Handlebars: FSA HB MTB Gradient Riser 800 mm / Stem: KS Rage-i / Weight: 22.8 kg

New blood for Ducati: The efforts of this Italian brand are commendable, as it could have settled for its motorcycles but has long been investing in cycling. Judging from the equipment, these bikes are not particularly inexpensive, matching some of the high-end models from exclusive cycling brands, which presents a dilemma—should one choose exclusivity with classic cycling brands or those renowned from other sports? More information at: Ducati Cycling